Maurice Sendak passed away today. His work and words have inspired me heavily throughout my career and life. I remember reading Where the Wild Things Are for the first time and how captivated I was with the illustrations. I didn’t know it then, but one day, I’d be going through freshman orientation at UARTS which was themed Where the Wild Things Are! When I received my Wild Things t-shirt, I asked about the theme. The orientation leader explained that it was, in fact, a tribute to Maurice Sendak. Must’ve been a sign that I was on the right track. I was so happy!

Needless to say, he’s been an inspiration to me. I still revisit his work and enjoy his honest take on human behavior. His illustrations always carry me to awesome places in my imagination — I thank him for that. I’ve followed his career and have shared an adoration for his stories with my husband who’s also a huge fan. We’re both big kids at heart.

Below, you will find a link to an interview he did with Terry Gross in September, 2011. It will tug at your heart strings, but it’s a good reminder to us all to “Live your life. Live your life.” Rest in peace, Mr. Sendak. You will be missed.

Illustration above from Where the Wild Things Are written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak.

Just a random “what’s on my mind” post — I’ve been having a ton of fun lately creating things I don’t normally get a chance to produce. Editing and customizing WordPress templates/themes for use as well as designing for my first app collaboration with my brother (who will be programming). I’m loving it. It’s so much fun! I know, I know… Some would call me crazy for enjoying the world of editing code and designing for devices, but there’s something really great about it. I love solving puzzles and there’s something about the work that reminds me of that process. Testing, editing, and checking code. Sometimes, it’s straightforward, but other times when it’s not so clear, finally coming up with a solution is a great feeling!

My knowledge of HTML and CSS has grown from editing and tweaking templates and themes over the years. I know some look down on that style of learning when it comes to web development, but it’s been a natural progression for me. I’ve always been interested in the development side of things, but don’t get to apply it as often as I’d like. I’ve also taken some online classes to fill in the gaps. It’s something I really get caught up in. Here it is 9:45 PM on a Tuesday night and I’m just now prying myself away from the computer (I generally stick to a 9-5 work day so this is odd for me). It’s good to feel inspired!

Here it is! Suite number three of my wedding stationery collection! I had so much fun creating this design. It was inspired by a photo shoot I was asked to participate in featuring local Philadelphia wedding vendors. Photos and a video documenting the shoot (the inspiration behind this design) should be amazing since Maria Mack Photography was the photographer and Tree of Life Films were the videographers for the day! I’ll be sure to post once everything is processed.

As for the sample suite pictured, the invitation, RSVP and menu/info card are all printed on Crane Lettra’s Ecru White letterpress paper. The table menus, table numbers and escort cards were flat printed on Neenah’s Classic Crest Natural White 110lb. When ordering, we will discuss all of the colors and paper options making sure to choose all of the perfect elements to compliment your style! A big thanks to Cleanwash Letterpress who handled the letterpress printing. And also to Fireball Printing for handling the flat printed pieces.

Inspiration

Fonts. Oh how I love a good display font. Check out this post: 7 Beautiful Display Typefaces You Can Download Now For Free. by The Next Web. I’m absolutely loving Metropolis (pictured below) designed by Josip Kelava from Melbourne, Australia.

Work

I’ve done it. I’ve gone full force and have dived head first into the wonderful world of weddings… and I LOVE IT! I just finished my third wedding suite design which will be available for sale by the end of April. It’s inspired by the Edwardian era and will be a 2-color, letterpressed piece. I’m so excited to get the chance to print these with Colleen Walsh of Cleanwash Letterpress! She is handling my samples for me which I’ll be posting pics of as soon as they’re put together, but in the meantime, here is a sneak peek of the suite. A bit of Springtime and romance – light and soft. Of course, as with any of my wedding suites, the colors can be customized to fit the theme of your wedding. And if you like the design, but letterpress is out of your budget, flat printing is also available and will definitely do the trick. Just contact me with your questions – if you have an idea, I am sure I can make it happen for you.

Life

My Macbook Pro battery went on the fritz… rather, it looked as though it was packing on the pounds. It got fat and bloated. Kind of like me these past few weeks. I noticed there was a problem when my track pad wouldn’t work anymore – meaning, it wouldn’t actually click down due to the pressure of the swollen battery behind it. Crazy, right? I wasn’t sure what was going on and was positive it was going to cost me a pretty penny to replace. I made a Genius Bar appointment at my local Mac store and they replaced it no questions asked! My assigned genius went straight over to the batteries for sale, opened one up, and replaced it on the spot. He said that the batteries are not supposed to swell at all (especially since my battery was relatively young – 174 cycles). Now, I’ve read that some stores do not replace the batteries, but apparently it’s because they are much older than mine was and it was due time for a replacement anyhow (swelling is usually not the only thing wrong in those scenarios – the battery doesn’t stay charged for long and is definitely on its way out). Regardless, it was awesome that I didn’t have to drop $130 for a replacement. I am thrilled! Before calling Apple Care, I suggest making an appointment at the Genius Bar at your local store – I think your chances of a free replacement are better when a technician sees the issue than if you are just a voice on the phone.

I was contacted by Crossroads Restaurant in Wilmington, Delaware to design their latest take-away post card promotion. The style they were going for was right up my alley – 1940s historical Wilmington with an old-school trolley car era, vintage feel. I didn’t want to get too heavy with the imagery which would make for a busy piece. Instead, I focused on color, texture (utilizing an vintage map of the area), and making sure their message/offer is 100% clear. I utilized their pre-existing logo making it one-color and embellished it with a few fancy curlicues for effect. If you’re in the area and are looking for a fun place to stop in for a bite, why not check out Crossroads Restaurant? Tell them Nicola Black Design says hello!

Here’s a look at the Cary Suite extras in action. You’ve already seen the invitations, but how about the extras that go along with the suite? Did you know about the accompanying elements such as the seating chart, programs, and menus that are available? The way they flow together is really beautiful. From the first look your guests get of your invitations months before the wedding to the day of when they see elements of your theme carried through all aspects of the day; it’s a complete suite everyone will be happy you made a part of your big day!

For pricing on all of these items, see page 3 of the pricing sheet.

Photo of Cary Suite Program by Dave Ullman

Photo of Cary Suite Menu by Christina Wagner

Photo of Cary Suite Menu by Christina Wagner

Photo of Cary Suite Seating Chart (unframed) by Christina Wagner

For more information, please visit the wedding section of my website. For pricing on all of these items, see page 3 of the pricing sheet. All items seen above go with The Cary Suite Inviations pictured below.

March 16th, 2012 is going to be a pretty incredible day for the Art-Monkeys of Philadelphia. Dr. Sketchy’s Philadelphia has booked a session that is to take place at The absolutely incredible Mütter Museum. If you haven’t already visited the museum, I can’t recommend it enough. I’d say it’s the museum I’ve visited most while living in the Philadelphia area. I just can’t get enough. Yes, some would say it’s a bit creepy, but really, it’s full of history, medical oddities, anatomical and pathological specimens, wax models, and antique medical equipment – all incredibly fascinating things if you ask me! It’s the perfect backdrop for “Before the Ball – A Night at the Mütter Museum with Dr. Sketchy’s Philadelphia.“ Oh, and did I mention there will be SIX models posing throughout the museum during the evening? That’s right! You get D’Arcy D’Lux, Ginger Leigh, Bethany, Tanya Dakin, Sophie Sucre and Rob Paluso all donning costumes of the 1920s in various nooks and galleries of this wondrous space.

Don’t be left out – get your tickets today! This event will sellout!

Promo design © 2012 Nicola Black Design, LLC
Photo of Clarissa J. Greathouse © 2012 Evi Numen

Over the past week or so, I’ve been looking over my resumé and skills. I’m noticing there’s quite a lot of crossover in what I’m interested in. I’ve just celebrated the 4-year anniversary of leaving the in-house environment for my own home office and it’s been absolutely perfect! I love working for myself! If it could stay this way forever, that’s what I’d do. But, I’m a realist. I know that the job market is changing everyday and I have to keep up with that change for my own security. While I’ll hold onto my job, as it is now, for as long as is humanly possible, I still want to develop my skills so that I’ll be able to transition smoothly to whatever necessary direction I have to take. Preparation is key.

With that, I’ve been looking at myself, my skills, all of my interests and how I’d like my career to grow. I love graphic design. I enjoy marketing and business. I also enjoy using social media. I find myself playing with code (CSS and HTML mostly) on my free time and really enjoy problem solving. Oh, how I love a good puzzle! I also enjoy the hustle and bustle of event planning – I know, an odd one to toss in there, isn’t it? But it’s one of my interests and something I’m quite good at.

So, where does that leave me? I feel like the natural progression for me at this point is one of two directions. Marketing and Design or UX/UI and Design. I think I’d enjoy UX/UI a bit more since I could really dive in and continue to solve design problems and develop the look and feel of digital media. That would be a ton of fun for me. I’m considering diving in and learning all of the language required by UX/UI design and building my skills in that arena. I’d love to bring my current design skills to the UX/UI table. I think I’d be a great asset if I were strong, not only in graphic design, but in UX/UI design/development as well.

How does one make the transition? How would I land a gig with those job requirements properly? It’s been years and I still don’t officially offer web design on my list of services on my about page, although, I’ve built a few here and there for friends that have inquired. Reason I don’t list it, is because I’m not one to falsely advertise that I know ALL there is to know about web design. It’s a completely different animal, in my opinion, than graphic design is (but that’s another post altogether). I understand graphic design like the back of my hand and am comfortable with most every project that’s been offered to me. That is how I want to feel when app or website development/design lands on the table.

Here’s where that leaves me: I want to know what skills a UX designer needs to do their job and do it well. AND I’d like to know what skills a UI developer needs to do their job and do it well. From everything I’ve read so far, I have some of the skills required to be a UX designer as well as some skills to focus on UI. I may be incorrect, but that is why I’m posting. Here’s an interesting article illustrating the differences and overlap of the two that I thought was helpful. Please let me know what you think and how I can progress into that arena – I’m incredibly interested. Especially if you are currently holding one of those positions.

I’ve never used a creative staffing agency to help round-up work, but I was contacted by one this week who I will be meeting with on Tuesday. I’ve been in business, officially, for 4 years now and have been pretty successful with my work flow and clients. There are times when things can get slow, but that goes with being an independent designer. I have my super busy times as well where things get crazy – it always seems to balance out in one way or another.

Have any of you worked with a creative staffing agency and have advice to offer before I meet with them? I’m not nervous about the meeting, but I haven’t had an “interview” like this in ages and it just feels a bit odd, you know? I’m usually the one screening clients and making sure we’re a good match. Having an agent who assists in that arena is all a bit alien to me. I can’t see how it would hurt though. I think it’d be good to have that extra set of eyes to aid in sorting through them.

So, please share your thoughts and let me know about your experiences, what I should be aware of, and if there’s anything else you think an independent designer should keep in mind when working with a creative staffing agency. Thanks!

My friend, Melissa, who runs a fantastic site called, OperationNice.com, suggested I check out Startup Weekend in Philly (video above from January, 2011). She went to one of their events this past October and had a great time! She says it was a great place to network as well as get her startup idea, Hangplan, off the ground (which you should sign up for, btw).

I think it would be a blast to work with a group of people to aid in the design of a product over an intense 54-hour period. I love creating graphics and helping companies with their branding from the get go. This might be my chance to work with a startup from day one. How much fun would that be?

Startup Weekend happens all over the country – here’s their global home link. Maybe there’s one near you! Have you attended a Startup Weekend event? Any experiences you’d like to share? I’d love to hear about them.